Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellowships
About the Fellowship
Graduates of all Harvard master’s or professional degree programs are eligible to apply for this annually-offered fellowship, including international graduates.
Successful applicants are placed in paid, two-year fellowships working for municipal leadership within city halls across the United States, supporting cities in developing and deepening capabilities to address pressing municipal challenges.
The fellowship provides a competitive salary and benefits plus robust professional development and cohort learning throughout the two years, including in-person convenings and numerous opportunities to interact with and learn from peers, program staff, and faculty.
The application is open now until February 9. Apply using the link below.
The administrative start date for the 2026 City Hall Fellowship is July 27, 2026. Fellows are expected to be present in their assigned city by early August 2026.
City leaders work at the level of government that is often best positioned to drive rapid, effective, and equitable improvements for communities and residents. The Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellowship provides you with the opportunity to work with city hall colleagues to address mayors’ key priorities, developing new approaches and delivering innovative policies, programs, and services to the community. Read about our current and alumni Fellows and their work.
Contact Snapper Poche with questions or for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the fellowship term?
The formal fellowship term is 24 months (i.e., two years).
Will fellowships be remote, in person, or hybrid?
Fellows are expected to live and work on the ground and in person within their host cities. Fellows may follow the local work norms for hybrid work within their cities, but a fully remote fellowship placement is not possible.
Who is eligible to apply?
Recent Harvard graduates from master’s or professional-degree programs may apply.
May international students apply?
Most international graduates will be eligible, but they should consult with the Harvard International Office to discuss their specific visa requirements and considerations. Note: Harvard can sponsor a J-1 research scholar visa for any international students selected for the fellowship. If you plan to use your OPT as an international student, please ensure that you apply well in advance with a start date that allows you to begin the Fellowship on July 27, 2026.
Which cities are hosting fellows and how are they selected?
Select cities who have participated in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative are invited to apply to host a fellow. The application includes the nomination of a challenge area that serves as basis for eventual placement of fellows. The complete list of cities and associated anchor challenges are available within the online fellowship application.
When will fellows begin work?
The administrative start date for the City Hall Fellowship is July 27, 2026. Fellows are expected to be present in their assigned city by early August 2026.
How is this fellowship different than the Summer Fellowship?
The Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellowship is intended to attract and facilitate highly capable graduates with master’s or professional degrees into leadership positions within city governments. Fellows, supported by the fellowship team and Harvard faculty, are tasked with leading and managing efforts that build city capabilities and advance action on a pressing municipal problem, anchored by a city-nominated challenge.
Summer Fellowship placements are short-term, and as a result, the work to be accomplished is tightly scoped, with clearly defined deliverables to be accomplished within a 10-week period. The City Hall Fellowship is longer in nature, and instead of scoping work to be accomplished, the fellowships are scoped around a priority challenge to be addressed. It is the work of fellows and their city colleagues to understand the challenge and then create and execute a strategy to address the specific challenge.
What is the compensation?
Fellows will receive a compensation package including a competitive salary and a separate housing allowance, with an anticipated COLA increase for year two. Fellows will also receive a one-time moving allowance to help offset the cost of moving to their new cities. Offer letters will include full salary and compensation details.
How will fellows be supported during the fellowship term?
The fellowship provides robust professional development and cohort learning opportunities throughout the two years, including in-person training and numerous opportunities to interact with and learn from your peers, Bloomberg Center staff, and faculty.
Will I have a say in which city I go to?
Fellows will have the opportunity to indicate their placement preferences, which will be taken into consideration but are not guaranteed. Ultimately, fellows will decide whether to move forward with any city and fellowship offer. Candidates are strongly encouraged to remain open to opportunities in a range of cities and topical areas.
Is my background relevant for me to qualify for this fellowship?
Cities—and the challenges that they respond to—require diverse skillsets and capabilities. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.
